Traditional medicine

Why does your stomach hurt during menstruation - the main causes of pain during menstruation. How to determine the causes and what to do. Very severe pain during menstruation

It is rare for a woman to endure her menstrual period comfortably. About a quarter of the population of fertile age experiences severe, even unbearable pain during menstruation on the first day. Deteriorating health often makes it impossible to work or lead a normal lifestyle. Some people are unable to get out of bed at this time. Such a life is often perceived as inevitable, and just the thought of menstruation days causes stress. Many doctors also consider painful critical days to be a variant of the norm. But such a situation should not be tolerated. It is necessary to look for and eliminate the causes of discomfort during menstruation, even if the gynecologist told the woman that she does not have any pathologies.

Types of pain

A sharp deterioration in health on the eve of menstruation and during it is called algomenorrhea. Physiological processes in the body in the second half of the cycle are associated with thickening of the endometrium in the uterine cavity, blood flow to the genitals and tension of muscle tissue. At the beginning of menstruation, a spasm often occurs - the walls of the organ sharply contract, pushing out the swollen mucous membrane. This is why the pain is especially severe on the first day. They are cutting, tugging, radiating to the lumbar region or tailbone.

As menstrual flow gradually decreases, muscle tension eases, and you feel better.

In some women, pain on the first day of menstruation is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, physical weakness, weakness, tachycardia, sweating and even fever. A similar clinical picture often develops in adolescence, within 1–2 years from the onset of puberty in a girl. These are manifestations of the so-called primary algomenorrhea.

Secondary disorders develop in young or middle-aged women as a consequence of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, previous surgical interventions, neurotic or psychological disorders. In most of these cases, heaviness and abdominal pain are accompanied by dysmenorrhea:

cycle disorders;
a decrease or increase in the intensity of discharge;
fluctuations in body weight;
mood swings;
increased blood pressure;
metabolic disorders.

Both primary and secondary algomenorrhea are caused by factors related to each other, including ovarian dysfunction, activity of the central nervous system, and chronic diseases. Signs such as weakness and nausea at the beginning of menstruation may indicate the initial stage of diabetes mellitus or a disorder of protein metabolism.

Possible causes of pain

All factors that explain why painful periods plague women are divided into two conditional groups:

physiological;
pathological.

The first is more typical for young girls, as it is associated with heredity or individual characteristics of the body. These include:

chronic lack of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium;
low pain threshold;
excess prostaglandins in myometrial cells;
congenital disorder of the synthesis of dopamine, adrenaline, serotonin;
features of the anatomical structure of the uterus: deviations, bends;
congenital or acquired disorders of the nervous system.

In teenagers, a common cause of painful periods is the formation of the menstrual cycle. During this period, the growth of a thick layer of the endometrium, the occurrence of juvenile bleeding, and long delays between menstruation are likely. The stomach hurts before menstruation due to excessive tension in the muscle walls. The situation is aggravated by anxiety and nervous conditions.

Fluctuations in hormonal balance, characteristic of a young age, can persist in an adult woman. Dissynchronization of the activity of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and ovaries often leads to dysfunction and the formation of polycystic syndrome. Cycle disturbances occur constantly; discharge may be absent for several months or occur twice a month. Untreated primary dysmenorrhea leads to the development of infertility, oncological processes, and early aging of the body.

Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen before menstruation is a consequence of psychological trauma. All parameters of the woman’s physical health remain normal.

Secondary algomenorrhea in women almost always develops due to pathology. The classic version: the appearance of painful periods after a long period of well-being. Common reasons:

acute or chronic inflammatory processes of the genital organs;
systemic diseases: hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, adrenal gland disorders;
consequences of surgery or curettage of the uterine cavity;
growing myomatous nodes, endometriosis, adhesions, polyps;
incorrectly selected IUD;
physical exhaustion;
suffered injuries.

Sometimes a combination of several factors leads to the appearance of sharp pain.

Pain on the first day

For every woman suffering from algomenorrhea, pain on the first day of menstruation develops and proceeds differently.

In most cases, their appearance is preceded by a feeling of heaviness and stiffness in the abdominal cavity, depressed mood, and swelling of the limbs. Discomfort begins 12–24 hours before the start of menstruation. The pain is felt as a series of stabbing, cramping or cutting attacks, intensifying with active movement, bending over, or trying to lie on the stomach. Often, pain is felt throughout the entire abdominal cavity, affecting the upper thighs, epigastric region and mammary glands.

The first degree of algomenorrhea is familiar to almost half of the women. The pain is dull, diffused only in the lower abdomen, and is quite tolerable. It begins 6–10 hours before menstruation, is present only on the first day, then disappears without a trace. The discomfort does not cause severe suffering and does not interfere with normal activities. Women need more rest. You can take an antispasmodic.
The average degree of pain cannot go unnoticed. Cramps and cramps in the abdomen begin and increase over the course of several hours. When menstruation appears, the suffering becomes unbearable. Neurological and vascular disorders often occur: severe headache, irritability, numbness of the arms or legs, tachycardia, sweating. The condition improves only 2–3 days after the start of menstruation.
Severe algomenorrhea often forces a woman to lie in bed throughout the entire menstrual period. Its causes usually lie in serious hormonal disorders or diseases of the reproductive system. The pain continues for several days, subsides only after the end of the critical days.

Physical suffering often becomes the cause of neuroses and requires detailed medical examination and treatment.

When menstruation does not come on time, every second young lady suspects she is pregnant. But what to do when...

How to relieve the condition

Severe pain during menstruation significantly reduces the quality of life, causing increased anxiety and depression. It must be fought.

Medications can help reduce pain during menstruation. Traditionally, combinations of antispasmodics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers are used: papaverine, drotaverine, ibuprofen, paracetamol. Combined products act faster and last longer. It is necessary to start taking them a day before the onset of painful sensations, otherwise the effect will be insignificant.

Drinks made from medicinal herbs and any diuretics also help relieve pain during menstruation:

a decoction of shepherd's purse, dill seed or parsley;
weakly brewed tea;
berry compote.

Removing excess fluid from the body reduces the feeling of tension. It is not recommended to consume coffee or other stimulants.

If the tablets do not help reduce pain, it is recommended to remain calm, perform a light abdominal massage, and apply a warm heating pad. Sometimes it is not heat, but cold that helps reduce pain. It is necessary to use not ice, but a towel soaked in cool water.

Drinking painkillers is allowed for a limited time. If the usual doses of the drug do not have an effect, the drug is changed or injected analgesics are used.

Treatment of menstrual pain

If the painful onset of menstruation is not a consequence of organic lesions or functional disorders, doctors suggest using medicinal painkillers. Practice shows that there is no one drug that is equally suitable for all women. An effective medicine must be chosen empirically.

Correct physical activity and a healthy diet prevent and reduce pain. It is necessary to walk daily, perform stretching and aerobic exercises, and breathing exercises. Relaxing massage and physiotherapeutic procedures are useful.

If there is a lack of vitamins and minerals, additional intake of products containing magnesium, calcium, tocopherol, ascorbic and folic acid is required.

Menstruation is a natural process for all women of reproductive age. Their arrival signals that the female reproductive system is fully mature and ready to bear offspring. In most cases, it causes only mild discomfort, but there are exceptions when painful periods completely disrupt the lifestyle and affect the performance of the fair sex.

Every woman of childbearing age should know exactly what to do during very painful periods, and in what cases it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment of painful menstruation.

Reasons

Mild ones provoke uterine contractions, which contribute to the release of menstrual blood and the mucous layer of the uterus. If the excretion process is disrupted due to any factors, a woman becomes excruciatingly painful during her period. Too painful periods have a scientific name "" or "". In nulliparous women, the most common cause of painful periods is the incorrect location of the uterus, which compresses the nerve endings, causing pain not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back and sacrum. This condition can also be caused by congenital anomalies of the female genital organs.

Painful menstruation occurs in women who suffer from the following diseases:

infectious pathologies (trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea). Most often, they are transmitted during sexual contact, contributing to the occurrence of purulent and inflammatory diseases of the appendages and uterus, which disrupts the cycle and aggravates painful symptoms. Both partners need to be treated for the disease. There are a number of infectious pathologies that can be contracted at home, these include candidiasis;
inflammatory processes. They can be provoked by non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, which contributes to the growth of opportunistic microflora - streptococci, staphylococcal infections, E. coli. Also, pathological reproduction of these microorganisms can be caused by hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, changes in the composition of microflora in other organs, etc. Cervicitis, endometritis or salpingitis can cause severe pain during regulation. These diseases must be treated, since inflammation can lead to bending, disruption of the blood vessels, the appearance of cysts, polyps, and even provoke cancer;
benign and malignant neoplasms. In the case of cancer, painful periods sometimes become the only symptom of this pathology. As the tumor grows, it presses on blood vessels and nerves in the uterus and nearby organs. Due to the neoplasm, the shape of the uterus may change, menstrual blood stagnates, causing unbearable pain. As the tumor grows, the pain also intensifies;
endometriosis. With this disease, the cells of the inner layer of the uterus grow into other organs, and the regularity of the cycle is disrupted, and menstruation becomes longer and more painful, hormonal disorders caused by endometrioid cysts begin;
dysplasia, cervical erosion and other diseases associated with damage to the epithelial layer in the cervix;
hormonal dysfunction. It can be triggered by taking hormonal medications, sudden cancellation of prescribed hormonal contraceptives, disruption of the ovaries, thyroid or pituitary gland. Due to hormonal changes, metabolic disturbances occur, which provoke the development of diabetes mellitus or sudden changes in weight, both upward and excessive decrease;
consequences of childbirth and surgery. During childbirth or abortion, the ligaments that fix the uterus can be damaged, so its normal location is disrupted, which causes severe pain during regulation. Bends may occur in which blood stagnates and inflammatory processes occur.

Algomenorrhea can be inherited, so if a grandmother or mother had too painful periods, then with a high degree of probability this pathology will be passed on to her daughter.

Associated symptoms

With painful periods, it is important to pay attention not only to the nature of the pain, but also to the accompanying symptoms. Algomenorrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

nausea up to vomiting, diarrhea;
severe headache;
increased sweating, hot flashes, dizziness and fainting;
sharp, jumping pulse or increased heart rate;
weakness, muscle and joint pain.

The duration of the monthly discharge itself may be disrupted and increased, they or, conversely,. Between menstruation sometimes occurs in the form of spotting. Pain due to dysmenorrhea may not appear on the first day of menstruation, but 1-2 days before its onset. They have a pulling, cutting, aching or cramp-like nature and pass only after the end of menstruation. In cases of severe secondary dysmenorrhea, pain may be felt throughout the entire menstrual cycle.

Degrees of pain

Painful menstruation has 3 degrees of severity:

The mild stage is accompanied by short and tolerable pain.
The average degree of algomenorrhea is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen and back, chills and psycho-emotional disorders (irritability, depression, photophobia, intolerance to strong aromas and loud sounds).
In the severe stage of dysmenorrhea, in addition to severe pain, the work of the heart muscle is disrupted, the temperature rises, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness appear, and the woman may lose consciousness.

Primary form

Primary dysmenorrhea is not caused by diseases or damage to the organs of the reproductive system, but occurs during puberty for three years after the arrival of the first menstruation. Painful periods in a teenager cause sudden hormonal changes that occur in the body at this time.

During puberty, the concentration of various hormones may change, depending on which of them increases, one of 2 types of primary dysmenorrhea occurs in adolescents:

Adrenergic. It is diagnosed when there is an increase in adrenaline in the blood. Characteristic symptoms for this pathology of the reproductive system are fever, rapid pulse, headaches, pale skin, hiccups, a feeling of a full stomach, constipation.
Parasympathetic. Diagnosed when there is an increased level of serotonin in the spinal cord. At the same time, the pulse slows down, body temperature may be lowered, the face and limbs swell, and body weight increases.

Species

Depending on the cause that causes pain in a girl, there are several types of primary dysmenorrhea:

spasmogenic. The cause of its occurrence is spasms of the uterine muscles;
psychogenic. Pain in the lower abdomen causes fear of symptoms experienced once and leaving difficult memories for the teenager;
essential. The cause of the disease in this case is a decrease in the pain threshold caused by disturbances in the functioning of individual centers in the brain. In this case, even minimal irritation of the nerve roots causes severe pain.

Why does it occur

The following factors can trigger the development of primary algomenorrhea:

a congenital disorder of connective tissue growth that is caused by magnesium deficiency. This disease has a dangerous complication in the form of a violation of the composition of cartilage tissue, which leads to improper formation of joints, lengthening of the limbs, flat feet and scoliosis. Myopia, problems with the digestive system and varicose veins may occur;
genital tuberculosis;
nervous and mental disorder;
congenital uterine anomalies (bicornus, malposition or underdevelopment).

If the curvature of the uterus arose during puberty due to improper development or excessive stress, then there is a high probability that painful periods will no longer bother the girl after childbirth. If the pathology is congenital, then childbirth will not correct the situation; only a qualified specialist should treat the disease.

Secondary form

The secondary form of dysmenorrhea is caused by acquired pathologies: scars, adhesions in the uterus after surgery and abortion, hormonal imbalance, infections and inflammatory processes. Too painful regula can bother women of any age, but most often the regula becomes very painful at the age of 25-30.

Most often, secondary algomenorrhea is caused by varicose veins in the pelvic and abdominal organs, as well as inflammatory processes affecting nerve endings in the pelvic area.

Secondary dysmenorrhea often occurs in women on strict diets, which cause anorexia or bulimia. In patients suffering from painful periods due to severe weight loss, the structure of the uterine tissue is disrupted, scars and adhesions occur. Also the cause of acquired algomenorrhea are infectious and inflammatory diseases, oncology, endometriosis, hormonal disorders and diseases associated with damage to the epithelial cells of the cervix.

Statistics

70% of women of reproductive age face the problem of painful periods, but only 10% of them complain of unbearable cramp-like pain during their menstrual periods. Statistics say that pain syndrome is complemented by other symptoms:

17% of women experience fainting due to pain;
23% of the fair sex suffer from dizziness and another 13% from headaches;
in 84% of cases vomiting occurs;
79% of women complain of diarrhea.

Diagnostics

To prescribe effective treatment, the cause of pain during menstruation must be correctly identified. Diagnostics may include the following research methods:

examination on a gynecological chair;
general blood and urine tests;
microflora smears;
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
laparoscopic examination;
Dopplerography of blood vessels for suspected varicose veins.

In some cases, you may need to consult a psychologist, endocrinologist and other specialists.

Treatment methods

If painful periods are caused by primary algomenorrhea, therapy most often involves eliminating stress factors, increasing physical activity and getting rid of bad habits. In the second half of the cycle, doctors recommend refraining from active sexual intercourse and heavy lifting. Often, after pregnancy and childbirth, pain due to primary algomenorrhea completely disappears, so it is recommended not to terminate the first pregnancy for women with a similar diagnosis.

Depending on the reasons that caused the development of algomenorrhea, treatment with or without medications may be prescribed, and the doctor may also recommend. Let's look at each type of treatment in more detail.

Medicines

Treatment of painful periods is aimed not only at eliminating symptoms, but also at eradicating the cause of the disease, so it must be comprehensive. Prescription of medications and selection of dosage is carried out exclusively by the attending physician. The following types of medications may be prescribed:

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Tamipul, Naproxen, etc.);
antispasmodics – No-shpa, Spazmalgon;
combined contraceptives or drugs containing gestagens (Diane-35, Yarina, Duphaston);
You should definitely take vitamins, in particular vitamin E;
if painful regulae are provoked by the proliferation of moderately pathogenic microflora, then antifungal suppositories and suppositories can be prescribed;
sedatives, tranquilizers (Relanium);
homeopathic medicines (Remens, Menalgin).

If algomenorrhea is caused by adhesions or neoplasms in the genital organs, then surgical intervention may be indicated.

Non-drug methods

In the case of primary algomenorrhea in adolescent girls, psychotherapeutic sessions provide effective assistance. To get rid of painful regulations, it is enough to master a special method of relaxation and distraction.

Physiotherapeutic procedures also give good results:

acupuncture, thanks to its effect on certain points, not only reduces pain, but also eliminates inflammatory processes;
amplipulse therapy;
magnetic therapy;
treatment with dynamic currents;
electrosleep, ultraviolet irradiation;
UHF procedures;
balneotherapy;
electrophoresis.

Acupressure and general massage, as well as physical exercise, swimming or yoga, will help you cope with painful periods. There is a whole range of specially designed gymnastic exercises that can be done at home.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies and homeopathy also help to reduce pain during menstruation, but they should be used only after consulting a doctor, so as not to aggravate the situation and not waste the time necessary to treat the pathology.

The most famous homeopathic remedy prescribed for algomenorrhea is Remens. Its main active ingredients are herbal extracts (cohosh, pilocarpus and Sanguinaria canadensis), cuttlefish gland secretion and surukuku snake venom.

Traditional herbalists recommend using an infusion of horsetail or horsetail for painful periods. Other herbs can also help cope with severe pain during menstrual periods, for example, strawberry leaves infused in cold water or a decoction of mint leaves, chamomile flowers and valerian root. Among the healing roots used in the fight against menstrual pain are lovage or fragrant celery.

Prevention

To prevent the development of dysmenorrhea, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

develop the correct daily routine, in which there is time for work, sleep and rest;
choose a balanced diet, during menstruation eat easily digestible foods that are rich in vitamins;
you need to control your body weight, prevent obesity, but also not deplete yourself with strict diets;
you need to take vitamins regularly;
Do not indulge in tea or caffeine-containing drinks;
avoid stressful situations;
walk outdoors more often;
pay special attention to physical activity, be sure to do exercises and select sports hobbies in accordance with your age and general health;
Eliminate bad habits that negatively affect a woman’s health.

If preventive measures do not help, and a woman begins to experience painful regula, she should definitely consult a doctor to find out the cause of the disease and to prescribe the correct treatment. It is strictly forbidden to use antispasmodics for a long time without finding out the cause of painful menstruation.

Abdominal pain during menstruation can lead some women to complete incapacity in just a couple of hours. However, a comprehensive look at the problem can help most of them today.

How to get rid of pain during menstruation? This issue worries more than 40% of all women of childbearing age. For one, drinking a few glasses of delicious juice is enough. Others have to undergo long and difficult treatment. But what should we really do?

Menstrual pain symptoms

Unpleasant sensations in the peritoneum can begin as early as 5-8 days before the lining of the uterus begins to emerge. Initially, an infrequent, weak “tugging” is felt in the area of the ovaries, to which, over time, sharp tugging pains are added along the entire height of the uterus.

Directly menstrual pain symptoms:

cramping and twisting uterine spasms
sensation of a foreign body in the abdomen
pulling, squeezing pain in the uterus, spreading to the intestines and lower back, intestinal spasms
shooting pains in the ovaries, kidneys, along the entire length of the spine, in the head

Cause of pain during menstruation

The main “culprit” of pain during menstruation is hormone-like substances prostaglandins. They irritate the nerve endings of the tissues in which they are produced, which causes uterine contractions and the release of the endometrium with secretions and blood.

Another common cause of pain during menstruation- endometriosis. The same endometrial cells of the uterus that should come out during menstruation grow into the surrounding tissue of the peritoneum or rise into the ovaries. Active synthesis of prostaglandins causes them to flake off, swell and collapse at the same time as everyone else.

Some teenage girls do not have time to fully develop physiologically before the onset of their first menstruation. This applies both to the structure of the body itself and to the balance of the hormones responsible for the cycle.

Why do teenagers experience severe pain during menstruation?

It’s just that an underdeveloped or incorrectly positioned uterus does not allow free flow of menstrual blood. As it contracts, it literally puts pressure on surrounding organs and irritates trillions of highly sensitive pain receptors. The teenage estrogen-progesterone background “adds fuel to the fire.”

Most often, discomfort in the lumbar region during menstruation is caused by swelling and excessive strain, as well as radiating pain.

The processes of the vertebrae dig into the swollen back muscles and injure them. And the reflex mechanisms of the spread of nerve impulses make you feel menstrual pain literally throughout the body.

Why does my lower back hurt so much during menstruation?

Existing ailments can also contribute to this unpleasant phenomenon:

fibroma
cervical dysplasia
endometriosis
polycystic ovary syndrome

Why does the back hurt a lot during menstruation in women who have given birth?

Although the uterus of a woman carrying a child returns to normal, it still acquires slightly different dimensions. During menstruation, this “extra” volume is enough to infringe on the nerve endings of the small pelvis, compress blood vessels and worsen blood microcirculation in the lower back.

Why does the back hurt a lot during menstruation in women who have given birth?
The female uterus can increase in size not only during pregnancy, but also under the influence of the progression of nonspecific postpartum diseases:

fibroids
endometrial hyperplasia
pelvic organ prolapse

IMPORTANT: All such gynecological defects affect the back with radiating (reflected) pain.

How to relieve pain during menstruation?

The following can help significantly reduce painful symptoms before or during menstruation:

Nutrition enriched with potassium and calcium. The lack of these elements significantly increases the frequency and strength of uterine contractions
Surgery or special gynecological treatment of functional problems of the uterus
Complex hormonal treatment to restore the required balance of biologically active substances acting on the uterus
Medicines and supporting pharmaceutical drugs
Traditional medicine and exercise

How to relieve pain during menstruation?

You should definitely take care of your health and eat right. Pharmacies and simple gestures will help you cope with the remaining problems.

Tablets and drugs for pain during menstruation

To get rid of unpleasant sensations, doctors recommend antispasmodics, complex analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Among others, the most popular are:

no-shpa
papaverine
tempalgin
spasmalgon
baralgin
ibuprofen

If the above pills and drugs for pain during menstruation are not suitable (give unacceptable side effects), then paracetamol can be used. To achieve high-quality pain relief, it should be taken in a dose of 3-4 tablets every 6-8 hours. However, the official instructions for the medicine indicate the possible danger of such self-medication.

What helps with severe pain during menstruation?

For some women, menstruation is extremely painful: the sensations during uterine contractions are comparable in strength to labor contractions. In this case, the spasm also “moves” to the intestines, which causes painful three-day diarrhea.

In such situations, ketanov and tamipul (2 tablets every 12 hours) save. The first one, however, is sold by prescription. Both drugs have a very gentle effect on organ systems and cause virtually no side effects.

What else helps with severe pain during menstruation? In extreme cases, you can use analgin and solpadeine.
However, it is quite difficult to predict the strength and scale of the side effects of these drugs on the nervous system. Even with the third and subsequent appointments.

Folk remedies for menstrual pain

In addition to herbal decoctions of horsetail, tansy, meadowsweet and oregano, sweet pepper is considered an extremely effective remedy for pain during menstruation. At the same time, it is used as a salad base or freshly squeezed juice.

Other folk remedies for menstrual pain:

asparkam tablets (usually used for other purposes)
dried and fresh apricots, grapes, bananas
pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds
wheat bran and wheat germ

Treatment of severe pain during menstruation

Not many exercises can relieve abdominal pain during menstruation, but they do exist! For example:

you need to sit on a fitball / spread your legs wide apart and crouch, make circular movements with your pelvis in both directions alternately
It is necessary for the maximum possible time to take the position “mom is washing the floor” from a standing position; when bending over, it is advisable to touch the feet with your hands
required to sit or lie curled up in different turning positions alternately

Treatment of severe pain during menstruation with physical activity other types are contraindicated due to the possibility of heavy bleeding. By the way, a ready-made tincture of water pepper will help to regulate them.

REVIEW: I suffer terribly in the first three days after the start of my period. I save myself with sedalgin or ibuprofen. It seems to me that nothing but pills or injections can relieve this terrible pain!!!

REVIEW: God forbid you be treated with analgin! Now I know how drug addicts feel when they're high. Maybe. The gynecologist said that it has this effect on many people. Girls! Be careful!

REVIEW: I was once brought a whole bucket of sweet peppers from the dacha. I used it in salads for a week and killed it. My period started within a week. And I didn’t feel the moment of their onset at all. Since then I’ve been eating peppers every chance I get. Which is what I recommend to you.

REVIEW: Naproxen relieves my severe period pain. A friend recommended it. And the gynecologist insists on taking hormonal contraceptives. I refuse for now. I'm afraid of various side effects.

REVIEW: And they advised me to use indomethacin suppositories. They helped a lot. But now my stomach hurts, and nothing can cure it. I'm planning to go to the doctor one of these days.

REVIEW: The first day of my period begins with an injection of a mixture of analgin, papaverine and diphenhydramine. Otherwise I climb the wall or lose consciousness.

I've been doing yoga for two years. After just four months of training, I began to notice that the intensity of monthly pain was gradually decreasing. Today I hardly use medications. This is despite the fact that previously Ketanova could not do without injections.

How to relieve menstrual pain:tips and reviews show that drug self-medication is held in high esteem. First we take medications, and then we consult with specialists. After all, you need to start from the other end!

Video: Painful periods (desmenorrhea)

Video: Everything you need to know about menstruation

Video: Painful menstruation. Women's diseases

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen is a common condition for many women during the menstrual cycle. Scientifically, this phenomenon is referred to as “algomenorrhea” (dysmenorrhea).

Statistics show that about 70-80% of women suffer from pain during menstruation. To eliminate all kinds of unpleasant symptoms, it is first necessary to understand the etymology of pain.

Having found out the causes of pain, you can understand: is this a common phenomenon inherent in natural processes in a woman’s body, or is it a reason to immediately consult a doctor and how to reduce pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods

During menstruation, the uterine tissue produces prostaglandin, which provokes its contraction.

The severity of pain depends on the level of this hormone. Doctors distinguish two groups of causes of menstrual pain.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Inherent in women under 35 years of age and adolescents. With primary algomenorrhea, hormonal changes occur associated with an increase in the amount of prostaglandin.

In simple words, the causes of cramping pain and vascular spasm are hormonal disorders and a state of anxiety and stress. It is observed that teenage girls experience especially severe pain.

Symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea:

Headache.
Stool disorder.
Pain of the same intensity throughout the entire cycle.

In addition to nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar area, reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and fainting may occur. In the absence of serious problems, discomfort disappears with age, as well as after childbirth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Women over 35 years of age are susceptible.

Secondary algomenorrhea is a sign of inflammatory diseases and pathologies of the pelvic organs.

It may be associated with the development of fibromatous nodes, pelvic neuritis, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps in the uterus, as well as the consequences of gynecological and abdominal operations (abdominal adhesions).

An intrauterine device can also cause severe pain during menstruation. Bleeding and pain in this case are more intense. A visit to a gynecologist is the first thing to do in such situations, who will already tell you how to get rid of abdominal pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods not related to reproductive system problems:

Imbalance of the female genital organs, excessive activity of the thyroid gland.
Intrauterine device.
High threshold of sensitivity to changes in the body.
Instability of the nervous system.
Pain due to abortion or childbirth.
Incorrect position of the uterus.
Hereditary predisposition.
Deficiency of magnesium, calcium.
Unbalanced diet.

Women suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea have low libido, they feel dissatisfaction with their sex life, a tendency to depression, a depressed state, and sometimes even psychological deviations can be observed.

At the same time, cure for diseases associated with algomenorrhea contributes to the almost complete cessation of pain during critical days. But with younger, healthier-looking women the situation is more complicated.

If discomfort increases, heavy bleeding, nausea, or migraines appear, you should immediately consult a specialist, take the recommended tests, undergo an ultrasound examination, which will help you figure out how to relieve pain during painful periods.

Attention!
In case of primary algomenorrhea, it is important to preserve the first pregnancy.
The first medical abortion (consequences) in a woman with painful menstruation can provoke the development of further infertility and aggravate pain during menstruation.
After pregnancy, in most cases, pain during menstruation decreases.

Pain Relief Methods

There are many ways to get rid of pain during menstruation that give a noticeable effect.

They can also be used at home (subject to existing contraindications).

Let's take a closer look at each of the categories that provide the answer to how to reduce or alleviate pain during menstruation without pills and at home.

Medicines

This method is suitable for those who are adherents of traditional medical technologies in treatment, resolving the issue of how to relieve pain during menstruation if the lower abdomen hurts.

Over-the-counter medications. In this category are NSAIDs, that is, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example ibuprofen.
Antispasmodics. These include “No-shpa”, “Ketonal”, “Spazmalgon”, “Analgin”.
Sedative. Pain caused by stress or overexcitation of the nervous system can be treated with a common sedative (for example, valerian).

Before using medications, consult your doctor!

Before using medications to relieve abdominal pain, you should consult a doctor or independently study all its aspects according to the instructions. Another category of drug treatment is oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

In this case, medications are taken strictly as prescribed by a specialist. Contraceptives contain hormones that restore hormonal levels in a woman’s body and thereby relieve menstrual pain.

Birth control pills are used for daily use. They are affordable and sold in almost all pharmacies.

Contraceptive methods for eliminating pain in the lower abdomen also include contraceptive patches, a contraceptive vaginal ring, hormonal injections, and an intrauterine device. Before using these remedies to relieve pain, you should consult your doctor.

Folk recipes:

Raspberry leaves- Pour 3 teaspoons of leaves into 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, take in small sips throughout the day.
Elecampane root- Pour 1 teaspoon into a glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Horsetail- to prepare the infusion you need 1 tbsp. pour 300 ml of boiling water into a spoon, leave for one hour, take 50 mg every hour, increase the dosing interval as the pain subsides.

Traditional medicine

An option for those who are interested in home treatment methods.

Alternative ways to relieve menstrual pain without pills include:

Warm. In some cases, ordinary heat has an even greater effect than medications. A heating pad or thermal patch applied to the lower abdomen (for no more than 10-15 minutes) will help relax the muscles and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
Adhesive patches are very comfortable and retain heat for a long time. An alternative option could also be a warm bath, shower, or swimming in the pool.
Water will soothe the pain. After water procedures, it is recommended to put on warm clothes and lie down for a couple of hours.
Behavioral or imagery intervention. Relaxation, a positive attitude, and breathing exercises have a positive effect on your emotional state. These techniques help take your mind off the pain.
This also includes doing your favorite things: chatting on the Internet with friends, playing computer games, reading books, magazines, watching an interesting movie.
Massage. Lightly stroking the abdomen (clockwise) will reduce discomfort and relieve cramps. In this case, you should lie down and place some object under your feet so that they are in an elevated position.
Do not press too hard on your stomach and lower back, this will relax the muscles and eliminate pain.
Herbs. Hot tea from the leaves of lemon balm, raspberry, chamomile, cherry, nettle, as well as other warm infusions will help with painful periods.
If you are not allergic, you can optionally add honey to the decoctions. To improve your well-being, it is recommended to drink as much fluid as possible during menstrual periods.
Other techniques. This group contains ways to relieve menstrual pain that are available at home. Adopting the correct position will help reduce discomfort.
To do this, you need to lie on your side and curl up, that is, take the fetal position. This condition will help relieve the pain a little and get rid of the discomfort that occurs during blood flow to the genitals.
Another way to relieve pain is “belly breathing.” The procedure must be done in the following sequence: place a book on your stomach, take a slow breath, while lifting the book with your lower abdomen.
Having raised it to a certain height, pause in this state. Repeat the exercise for 2-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Pain during menstrual periods is often caused by a woman’s poor diet. There are several rules that, if followed, can significantly reduce the possibility of unpleasant sensations:

Limiting the amount of dairy, flour, and meat products in the diet. Recommended before menstruation and throughout the entire cycle.
More vegetable juices. Green vegetables and berries contain antioxidants that fight various inflammations.
Take the recommended amount of vitamin and mineral complexes. They should contain vitamins A, E, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron. These drugs are prescribed after passing the appropriate tests.
Limiting the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Drinks containing alcohol can cause fluid retention in the body and bloating. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which can reduce the flow of blood into the uterus and increase painful cramps.
The day before your period, take a fasting day.

Exercise

Moderate physical activity for pain in the lower back and abdomen will help relieve discomfort. Leisurely walking walks in the open air will also be in order.

A set of exercises to reduce pain during menstruation:

Starting position: lying on your back. Raise your legs at an angle of about 90 degrees. Stay in this position for several minutes.
Starting position: lying on your stomach. Resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your chest and bend as much as possible.
Starting position: lying on your back. Bend your legs at the knees. Bend your stomach up, resting on your feet. Smoothly lower down.

Physical activity leads to the production of endorphins in the body, i.e. natural pain relievers. Walking, jogging, working out in the gym, cycling, swimming - this whole set of exercises will help with the problem to one degree or another.

Using herbal decoctions during menstruation, following a diet along with exercise can give an even more pronounced effect. Pilates and yoga have also proven themselves well as painkillers that work on muscle tone.

Preventing the occurrence of painful sensations

A healthy lifestyle is the best option for preventing various diseases, including pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation.

Take an integrated approach to pain management!

Quitting harmful habits that aggravate the condition, such as smoking, alcohol, drugs.
Limiting the consumption of hot and spicy foods, coffee.
Regular sex life. On average up to 3-4 times a week.
Positive emotions, avoiding stress and hypothermia.
Regular physical activity (dancing, running, yoga, swimming).

If you have persistent, ongoing pain during menstruation, you should consult a doctor..

You can find additional information on this topic in the section.

Most women know firsthand about the signs of approaching menstruation, which manifest themselves in the form of irritability, mood swings, pain in the chest, lower back, side and abdomen. What are the causes of severe pain during menstruation? Why is the pain so much worse on day 1? This will be clarified in this article.

Pain during menstruation can be so severe that a woman experiences a disruption in her usual way of life. This condition is called dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea is irregularities in the menstrual cycle that are accompanied by pain. And neurophysiologists include in this concept disorders in the neurovegetative, endocrine and mental systems. The main symptom for all of them is one - pain on the eve of menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea, according to statistics, is widespread among women and the frequency of occurrence varies between 43-90%. Some people tolerate it very hard, some take it easier, and some have no problems at all. It all depends on the character, social status and working conditions of the woman.

As for the types of dysmenorrhea, most often it is acquired, that is, a pathology formed due to disturbances in the functioning of the woman’s genital organs. But there are also cases when dysmenorrhea occurs at a young age without the presence of pathology. In this regard, this disease is divided into two types: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is also called idiopathic. It occurs in the absence of diseases of the genital organs, both after the first menstruation and after many years of the menstrual cycle. The pain at the initial stage is short-term, it is aching and does not bother the woman much. But after a few years, the pain becomes more severe and lasts for several days.

There is a tendency that women who complain of pain during menstruation are diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia, myopia, mitral valve prolapse, flat feet and scoliosis.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is the result of a woman having various organic diseases. The pain syndrome is caused by a violation of the uterine blood supply, stretching of the walls of the uterus and spasm of its muscles.

Types of pain on the first day of menstruation

Only 25% of women do not experience pain during menstruation; for the remaining 75%, pain during menstruation is a constant companion. Pain usually begins a day or two before the onset of menstruation, or on its first day. These unpleasant sensations can be considered normal only if they do not cause the woman severe discomfort and do not deprive her of the ability to get out of bed and go about her daily activities.

Pain appears on the first day of critical days in the lower abdomen and fades away gradually by the second or third day of menstruation. The pain can be aching, twitching or paroxysmal in nature and radiate to the lower back, bladder or rectum.

Along with this, many women experience apathy, depression, irritability, lack of appetite, nausea, and in rare cases vomiting, excessive sweating, breast tenderness, constipation or diarrhea.

Pain on the first day of menstruation is associated with hormonal changes occurring in the female body during this period. Since the egg was not fertilized, the uterine mucosa begins to renew itself: removing the old endometrium and growing a new one. Hormones to get rid of the dying endometrium cause muscle contractions in the uterus, which is why women feel pain. But pain can also be associated with dysmenorrhea, the types of which are mentioned above.

If on the first day of your period the pain is not particularly severe, then in order to reduce the feeling of discomfort it is enough to follow only these simple rules:

drink more fluids;
perform physical activity at a moderate pace;
take a slightly warm shower (but do not sit in the bath);
take some painkiller.

But if the pain is so severe that a woman cannot get out of bed, it is better to consult a gynecologist to rule out serious health problems.

Migraine before and after menstruation

Migraines before and after menstruation are very common. The main reason for its occurrence is surges in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, and the predisposing factors for this condition are hereditary predisposition and a tendency to increased platelet aggregation.

Migraine can be observed not only before and after menstruation, but also during menopause, pregnancy and lactation. Each of these conditions provokes hormone surges, which is why severe headaches begin.

Very often, migraines occur in young girls during puberty, and disappear as hormonal levels normalize. But women also experience migraines during their periods for a longer period of time: for some, they go away after they give birth, while for others they last for the rest of their lives.

Migraine that begins before menstruation is associated with it and is called menstrual. During this period, intense headaches occur in the vast majority of women and their duration varies between 4-72 hours. A symptom of an onset migraine is localized throbbing pain on one side. If you ask a woman to rate her headache on a scale of ten, their ratings will be in the range of 5-9 points.

Migraine attacks before the onset of menstruation are often accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

Pain in the lower abdomen

Pain itself causes discomfort, but how to live if a woman experiences pain in the lower abdomen every month before her period? You need to understand where it comes from in order to take action.

If the pain is not severe, but nagging, and is concentrated only in the lower abdomen, the woman should not be alarmed. They mean the approach of menstruation. In addition to these pains, a woman may also feel painful sensations in her chest. It’s good if the pain is not prolonged and antispasmodic drugs are not required. It is worse if it lasts from 1 to 3 days, and the woman cannot do without painkillers, which indicates dysmenorrhea and the help of a gynecologist will be needed.

Nagging pain in the lower back

Many women complain of lower back pain during menstrual periods. Among doctors there is even a concept of radiating pain. But you shouldn’t worry too much about nagging lumbar pain, since nowadays it can be easily eliminated with medications or massage.

The causes of nagging pain in the lower back before menstruation are as follows:

inflammation in the uterus or its cervix, or ovaries;
curvature or bending of the uterus;
infections in the genitals, as a result of which adhesions have formed in the uterus;
myoma;
installed intrauterine device;
heredity;
changes in hormonal levels.

It will not be possible to determine the cause of lower back pain on your own without a gynecologist.

Chest pain

The female breast is a very sensitive and delicate organ, which reacts as an indicator to even the most minor hormonal changes in the female body. Changes in breast size and shape occur not only at different ages of a woman, but also during each menstrual cycle. So, after ovulation, the glandular tissues in the breasts become larger under the influence of progesterone. And a day or two before the onset of menstruation, when the body is convinced that there is no pregnancy, the tissues return to their previous sizes.

With such changes in the volume of tissue in the breast, slight swelling, and strong blood flow to the breast, the woman feels discomfort and pain.

Stomach hurts

Menstruation is already not a particularly pleasant event for women, but it is often accompanied by poor health and even pain in the stomach. It would seem what it has to do with menstruation and why it hurts a week before its onset and in the first days after its onset. This is directly related to premenstrual syndrome.

Stomach pain is the result of hormonal changes occurring in a woman’s body. Estrogen, progesterone and other hormones released in large quantities affect the uterus, and in response it becomes larger and begins to put pressure on all the organs around it. Hence the feeling of discomfort in the stomach, bloating and frequent bowel movements. This does not affect the woman’s performance in any way and the pain is usually tolerable.

Pain in the right side

Pain before or during menstruation is one of the most common reasons why women turn to a gynecologist. And most of them complain that the pain is localized in the right side. Such a painful symptom may appear due to the development of neurological or surgical pathologies, so it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Normally, pain in women during menstruation should be localized in the lower abdomen or lower back. If pain is felt elsewhere, you should consider finding out its causes. Causes of pain in the lower right side include:

incorrectly installed intrauterine device;
ovarian cyst or torsion of its legs;
inflammatory process in the appendages;
myoma.

In addition, pain in the right side may have nothing to do with gynecology, but it may be one of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (appendicitis, Crohn's disease or diverticulitis) or the urinary system (cystitis, urolithiasis, pyelonephritis). It is very important to get examined to prevent your condition from getting worse.

Pain with uterine fibroids during menstruation

Myoma is a hormonal benign growth in the form of a tumor in the uterus, formed from smooth muscle connective tissue. Uterine fibroids can increase pain in every third woman, making it more intense and prolonged. The pain may decrease, but does not completely disappear even after the end of menstruation. These symptoms are especially pronounced if adenomyosis is present in addition to fibroids (when the endometrial glands penetrate into the adjacent layers of the organ).

If the neoplasm is submucosal, then during menstruation the pain is cramping in nature. This is due to the uterus trying to push the tumor out. Sometimes this happens and the myomatous nodule leaves the uterus along with the discharge.

Myoma also increases pain during menstruation because it puts pressure on organs adjacent to the uterus and, more often, on the intestines and bladder. Manifestations from the intestines during menstrual periods are noticeable even without a neoplasm, and with it, flatulence and pain only intensify. And when it manifests itself in the bladder, the woman notices that she begins to go to the toilet more often.

How to get rid of pain on the first day of your period

What to do to get rid of or at least reduce pain during menstruation? The first thing that comes to mind is to take a painkiller. This is of course effective, but the doctor must prescribe the appropriate drug and the correct dosage, otherwise you can only harm yourself and trigger a disease due to which you may experience pain during menstruation.

Pain can be relieved without taking pills, just by following these rules:

stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption;
eat less dairy and meat products before your period begins;
do sports or yoga;
massage the area where pain is felt in a clockwise direction;
avoid hypothermia and stress;
place a warm heating pad on your stomach.

When to call an ambulance

Women in particularly severe cases during menstruation may need immediate medical attention. It is recommended to call an ambulance if a woman has a fever during her period, has a fever, nausea and vomiting, has lost consciousness, has copious discharge from the vagina, and the lower abdomen hurts so much that you want to bend over.

Severe pain can lead to serious consequences. For example, due to the onset of infectious toxic shock, a woman may experience confusion, psychomotor agitation, high temperature and fever. Such a shock occurs due to a woman’s failure to comply with the rules of intimate hygiene.

Heavy periods may result in bleeding. If there was a delay at first and then menstruation began, then the woman’s pregnancy could thus be disrupted.